SC reprieve for Modi, Singhal

In a relief to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and VHP leader Ashok Singhal, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to direct registration of criminal cases against them for alleged inflammatory speeches on minorities during an election rally.

A Bench headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat, however, said it was left to the option of the aggrieved individuals to approach the Magistrate concerned for recording the FIR and move the state Government for obtaining sanction to prosecute Modi. The alleged speeches were made by the leaders during an election rally in Gujarat in 2002.

Rejecting the plea of advertising guru Aleque Padamsee that a writ of mandamus direction to the police authorities was necessary due to the 8220;inaction8221; of the local police, the apex court said the aggrieved persons could approach the magistrate for recording the FIR. As regards the plea for sanction to prosecute the CM as required under Section 196 of the CrPC, the Bench said the petitioners could approach the state Government for the purpose.